When you write about beauty, you’re bound to amass an incredibly healthy collection of products. I’m a lipstick fiend with a penchant for bold colours, and every hot orange, coral or magenta shade that came across my desk would immediately be welcomed into my arsenal with open arms. Despite having a massive collection, I always gravitated to the more purple-toned shades. As a ginger-blond with a peachy complexion, I reasoned, I couldn’t do cool colours; plus, I was a little self-conscious about my teeth looking yellow, and putting purple right next to them as a contrast seemed like a bad move. But, little by little, I started moving away from those hot hues and into the land of moodier lilacs and wines, and now they’re some of my favourite shades.

The key to exploring purple is to not be put off by what you see on the exterior of the package, or even inside the tube; though some might look violently violet, many are shockingly forgiving when worn. (When in doubt, stick to shades with pinky undertones.) If you’re also looking to branch out onto the bottom end of the colour spectrum, here are a few (ginger-tested and approved) places to start.

Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter in Lollipop: These sheer, moisturizing butters are amazing across the board. This particular hue reads as more purple in the tube, but goes on as a bold, violet-toned zinnia-pink. Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Orchid: The Ultra HDs are definitely high on pigmentation like a lipstick, but go on surprisingly smoothly. I think of Orchid as an amped-up version of Lollipop, it’s a super-bright, pink-tinged lilac.

Maybelline Colorsensational Creamy Mattes lipstick in Mesmerizing Magenta: True to its name, it’s more of a deep berry/magenta than a true purple, though it does have a rather nice blue/purple sheen in the tube. The shade is surprisingly flattering, and the formula is quite possibly the cushiest, comfiest drugstore matte I’ve tried thus far.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Whimsical: The Revlon hits just keep on coming! This one has graduated to “living in my handbag 24/7” status – it’s a gorgeous berry shade that’s still sheer and moisturizing, for that “your lips but better” look. Plus, it tastes like mint. Win.

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Femme Fatale (in Murale stores January 2016): This one was the dark horse of the group. In the tube, it was the kind of deep, dark, soul of Lucifer plum colour that would make the purple-averse flee in terror. And on the lips? Just a gorgeous (if dramatic) berry-red, with a matte finish that doesn’t feel drying or heavy. Superb. See you in the summertime, oranges.

The purples and I will be spending the next few months together. We’re very happy.